Leeds United got back to winning ways on Friday night with a massive 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Elland Road.
The Whites looked much sharper this time, with Daniel Farke’s side showing real fight and control after last week’s poor defeat at Burnley.
Goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon sealed the win, but the big talking point after the game was the stunning display from new boy Jaka Bijol.
The £15m summer signing from Udinese made his Premier League debut and looked like he had been playing in England for years.
While Joe Rodon grabbed the headlines for his goal and earned Sky Sports’ Player of the Match, fans couldn’t stop talking about Bijol’s rock-solid performance at the back.
Bijol’s Dream Debut for Leeds United
Many fans were wondering why Jaka Bijol had been sitting on the bench for so long.
Signed from Italy’s Udinese, the Slovenian defender came to England with high expectations, and he showed exactly why Leeds United paid the big money for him.
From the first whistle, Bijol looked calm, strong, and totally in control. His marking on West Ham’s forward line was spot on, especially against Callum Wilson, a proven Premier League striker with nearly 90 top-flight goals to his name.
Every time Wilson tried to get space, Bijol was right there shutting him down.
He read the game brilliantly, made smart tackles, and cleared danger when needed. Leeds fans at Elland Road could see how confident he was, even though it was his first game in the league.
It was the kind of debut that makes everyone say, this lad must start every week.
Joe Rodon Shines, But Bijol Outshines Him
Joe Rodon, who scored from Sean Longstaff’s corner, also had a fine game for Leeds. He passed well, defended solidly, and showed his usual leadership at the back. But the stats show that Jaka Bijol was even better on the night.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Bijol completed 95% of his passes, compared to Rodon’s 92%. He made 11 clearances, 2 interceptions, and 5 recoveries, while also winning more duels both on the ground and in the air.
His defensive numbers were top-class, especially for someone playing their first Premier League game.
It’s easy to see why Leeds fans are now calling him “undroppable.”
Farke’s Big Call Ahead
Now, Daniel Farke faces a big decision. With Pascal Struijk missing through illness and Bijol stepping up like a seasoned pro, it’s hard to imagine the Slovenian being dropped anytime soon.
Leeds United finally seems to have found a strong defensive pairing with Bijol and Rodon, two players who looked in sync throughout the game.
If Farke keeps trusting them, Leeds could build one of the most solid backlines in the league, something the club has been crying out for.
This performance could also mark a new chapter in the Jaka Bijol Leeds United transfer story, showing that the club’s investment in the player is already paying off big time.
For now, fans will be hoping the Slovenian keeps his place and continues to grow into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
For more Leeds United news, gear, and match updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates directly to your phone.
Discover more from Leeds United News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
